• Couple at dusk outside Louvre, Paris, France

February Travel News

Hi from Rick: For the Love of Travel

There's a spot in Paris where I like to share my macarons. Pulling the ribbon on the tiny box — gilded with tradition and a flair for good living — and sharing them here is the perfect start for a double date with my favorite travel partner and my favorite city.

Dangling our legs over the tip of the island that splits the River Seine and the city — one bank on the left, the other on the right — we nibble our pastel macarons: rose, lavender, peach, and pistachio. Behind us towers Notre-Dame — its rebuilding after a tragic fire a testimony to the city's embrace of its heritage. And ahead of us are bridges…celebrating kings and emperors with medallions — also gilded — glinting in the morning sun.

Paris is a city for walking, hand in hand, with just the right travel partner. And it's a city for being in the moment… Read more

In this issue


Two young women buying fruit, France

Tips for Traveling as a Temporary Local

Many travelers tramp through foreign lands like they're visiting a cultural zoo. "Ooh, that guy in lederhosen yodeled! Excuse me, could you do that again in the sunshine so I can get a good picture?"… Read more


Lake Bled: Exploring Slovenia’s Romantic Alpine Retreat

Tiny Slovenia, nestled where the Alps meet the Adriatic Sea, is one of Europe's most unexpectedly charming destinations, with spectacular natural beauty and a fascinating recent history… Read more


Juliet's balcony, Verona, Italy

Video of the Month: Italy’s Verona, Famous for Love

Join Rick on a visit to the "House of Juliet" in Verona, where we'll get the inside scoop about Shakespeare's fictional star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and learn about the Scaligeri… Watch


Cameron Hewitt at Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy

Cameron’s Blog: In Europe, It’s the Little Differences

When you're on the road in Europe, sometimes it's the little differences that resonate the most: pragmatic, clever solutions to everyday problems that inspire you to do better back home… Read more


couple holding phones showing audio europe app

Rick Steves Audio Europe Update

We've recently added new content to Rick's free travel app just in time for your 2026 travels! Discover a dozen new tracks covering a variety of countries and topics from Scandinavia to Spain… Learn more


a beach and stone archway in cornwall

This Month on Monday Night Travel

We'll visit England and tour the best of Cornwall Feb. 9; shine an Olympics spotlight on Milan, the Dolomites, and Verona Feb. 16; and take a stateside road trip in the American South Feb. 23… Register


Tours 101

Is a Rick Steves Tour Right for You?

If you've ever thought about joining a Rick Steves' Europe tour and want to learn more about what to expect, we're hosting a tour information session on Zoom on Tuesday, Feb. 24… Register